Decluttering

[Tropo-Bob (Bob)]

I have a small humble home and far too much stuff.

I am not sure how to approach the task of decluttering, especially seeing my inclination is to buy more astronomy gear rather than to sell items. I actually have given away a lot of cheaper items in the past, but during the last few years, I have really brought a “Glut” of quality items.

But I figure: Rule Number 1 is too buy no more telescopes (well at least until the number of scopes is less than half of what it is now.). I have passed my first test: That TeleVue Genesis which was listed last week seemed to be an outstanding bargain, but I did not bite!

I did so well, that maybe I should reward myself by buying a new EP.

[eddiedunlop (Martin)]

I am facing a similar challenge. I have just returned home after a year working in Canberra. It's amazing how much I accumulated, especially as I was living alone.
We now have enough junk to fill 2 houses! I'll be working the op shops for the next few weeks to try and make a hole in it.

[el_draco (Rom)]

Here is the good news....

Although you think at the time, "I cant get rid of this", a couple weeks later you usually don't know why it bothered you giving an item up. Its really liberating; I've ditched half my total possessions in 12 months and hope to do it again in another 12 months. "Consumer addition" is a problem we all need to deal with.... except when it comes to astronomy of course

Rom

[xelasnave]

The first step is to recognise the problem.
The second step is to determine that you probably get by on what you already have.
I have for a short time achieved "unclutterment".
I had one plate, a knife, fork and one spoon.
I had four identical track suits all black and two jackets.
However my life got stretched between home and Sydney and stuff krept in.
I long for those simple times.
The time one wastes moving and cleaning stuff takes away from enjoyment.
Still live simpler than most but I now am back to looking after stuff I don't need or want.
I have a 12 inch scope that needs a resurface that would be best thrown out but I can't do it...and that prevents me replacing it.
Alex

[Wavytone]

The rules (at least in our apartment):

1. If something comes in something must go out of the same size or larger.

2.if it hasn't been used in a week, pack it away.

3. If it hasn't been used in a month, it goes in the storage cage downstairs.

4. If it hasn't been used in a year it is disposed of, one way or another.

Only exception to the latter are a few items of sentimental value (family heirlooms etc).